At a time when scientific literacy and public trust in science are more important than ever, it’s crucial to uplift the young voices who are doing the hard and meaningful work of bridging the gap between science and the public.
Curiosity alone is not enough; the future of science depends on students who can both understand it deeply and communicate its importance powerfully. The next generation of scientific thinkers includes not only those who excel in the classroom but also those who actively work to inspire others and make the case for why science matters in everyday life.
This scholarship aims to recognize and support high school students who demonstrate an exceptional passion for science and a commitment to championing its value in their communities and beyond.
Any high school student who will pursue a degree in science may apply for this scholarship opportunity. Applicants must show a genuine and demonstrable enthusiasm for science, whether through coursework, independent projects, science clubs, competitions, or personal exploration. Applicants should be actively engaged in science advocacy, such as by educating peers, participating in public outreach, speaking at community events, engaging on social media, or working to make science more accessible and inclusive.
To apply, tell us about your passion for science and your advocacy for science, answering the questions below.
The centerpiece of the application is a student-written essay addressing two core themes:
The essay is an opportunity for you to speak in your own voice — to tell your story, share your convictions, and show what kind of scientific advocate you are becoming.
The application deadline is Aug 30, 2026. Winners will be announced on Oct 1, 2026.
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Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.
The winner will be publicly announced on Oct 1, 2026. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution or future academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.
Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.
If you have any questions about this scholarship or the Bold.org platform, just email contact@bold.org and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.
Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.